Shasta Daisy Leucanthemum 'Real Charmer' (PBR) (Realflor Series)
ABOUT
The Leucanthemum 'Real Charmer' (PBR) (Realflor Series), commonly known as the Shasta daisy, is a visually appealing plant that possesses a lush, green foliage consisting of oblong to spoon-shaped leaves, with a slightly toothed margin. The most striking feature is its flowers, which are large and cheerful with a unique appearance. These blooms exhibit a double layer of petals; the outer ring displays traditional, elongated white petals that encircle a dense frill of smaller, fluffy yellow petals nestled at the center. These inner petals create a ruffled effect, almost resembling a pompom, giving the flower a sense of depth and texture. The vibrant yellow center disk adds a pop of color against the fresh white petals. Individual blossoms are perched atop sturdy stems, making them ideal for cutting and arranging in vases. Overall, the Shasta daisy 'Real Charmer' is celebrated for its distinctive, long-lasting flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Shasta Daisy, Real Charmer Leucanthemum
Common names
Leucanthemum x superbum 'Real Charmer'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Leucanthemum 'Real Charmer' (PBR) (Realflor Series) is the Shasta Daisy. This plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the Shasta Daisy is not expected to lead to poisoning or serious health consequences. However, it is important to exercise caution as individuals may have varying sensitivities to plants, and even non-toxic plants can cause mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in some people.
To pets
The Shasta Daisy is known to be non-toxic to most pets, including cats and dogs. Poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant is not anticipated. However, as with humans, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and while not poisonous, the consumption of non-food plants can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea for some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Leucanthemum 'Real Charmer' showcases large, frilly, lemon-yellow flowers that gradually transition to a creamy white, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Long Flowering Season: It typically has a long blooming period, from early to late summer, providing extended garden interest.
- Pollinator Friendly: Its blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: This variety is known for its ease of care, requiring minimal attention once established in the right conditions.
- Disease Resistance: 'Real Charmer' is generally resistant to many common plant diseases, ensuring robust growth with fewer chemical interventions.
- Cut Flower Potential: The flowers are suitable for cutting and can be used in bouquets, adding value to the plant beyond its garden use.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and thereby saving resources.
- Hardiness: It is winter hardy in many regions, making it a durable plant that can survive in a variety of climates.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: The plant can be used for borders, garden beds, or as part of a mass planting scheme, making it a versatile addition to any landscape design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of the Shasta daisy can be used to create a natural yellow dye for coloring fabrics.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried Shasta daisy petals can contribute to a fragrant potpourri mix for a natural way to freshen up a room.
- Edible Decorations: The petals of Shasta daisies are edible and can be used to decorate cakes and desserts for a charming touch.
- Photography Subject: Shasta daisies, with their bright white petals and yellow centers, are a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the essence of a garden or natural setting.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Shasta daisy can serve as a biodegradable confetti option for celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Plant Markers: The sturdy stems of dried Shasta daisy flowers can be repurposed as natural plant markers in the garden.
- Lining Flower Baskets: Fresh or dried Shasta daisy flowers can line decorative flower baskets, adding a charming country aesthetic.
- Art and Craft Material: The flowers and leaves of the Shasta daisy can be used in pressed flower art or for making nature-inspired crafts.
- Insectary Plant: Shasta daisies can be grown to attract beneficial insects to the garden, such as ladybugs and hoverflies, that help control pest populations.
- Companion Planting: Planting Shasta daisies near vegetable crops can help attract pollinators, enhancing the overall productivity of the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Shasta Daisy is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Shasta Daisy is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Innocence: The Leucanthemum, commonly known as Shasta Daisy, often symbolizes innocence due to its pure, white petals that evoke a sense of simplicity and cleanliness.
- Purity: Similar to innocence, the clean and bright appearance of the Shasta Daisy is also associated with purity, making it a popular choice in bridal bouquets and innocent gestures.
- Chivalry: The Shasta Daisy is said to represent chivalry, stemming from an old legend where a knight plucked a daisy before a battle as a token of honor and a gentleness that he wished to preserve in the face of conflict.
- Transformation: The growth cycle from bud to full bloom represents transformation and the ability to change in a positive way, which is why the Shasta Daisy might be given to someone embarking on a new phase in their life.
- Loyal Love: The Shasta Daisy's long-lasting nature makes it a symbol of loyal love, indicating an enduring bond and a commitment that withstands the test of time.
- New Beginnings: Often seen in gardens and fields at the start of summer, Shasta Daisies are associated with new beginnings, whether that's a new job, a move, or the start of a relationship.
WaterShasta daisies, including the Leucanthemum 'Real Charmer', require consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the first 8 to 12 inches of soil, which for most garden plants translates to about 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on soil type and weather conditions. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant.
LightShasta daisies thrive best in full sunlight. A location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for the 'Real Charmer'. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense sun. The plant should be placed where it can get morning sun and partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
TemperatureShasta daisies are hardy and can withstand a temperature range from about 40°F to 90°F. The 'Real Charmer' prefers to grow in conditions where the average temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme temperatures below freezing or above 90°F can stress the plant, so it’s best to ensure some protection against frost and intense summer heat.
PruningShasta daisies benefit from pruning to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Prune 'Real Charmer' in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and encourage new growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to about 2 inches above the ground to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShasta daisy 'Real Charmer' thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture supplemented with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. For optimal growth, aim for a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot and maintain consistent moisture without the soil becoming waterlogged.
RepottingShasta daisies such as 'Real Charmer' typically do not require frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years. However, if the plant outgrows its container or soil fertility declines, repotting every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil mix is beneficial.
Humidity & MistingThe Shasta daisy 'Real Charmer' prefers average humidity levels consistent with outdoor conditions. It does not require high humidity environments and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most garden settings without needing special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, water regularly, and protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Shasta Daisy 'Real Charmer' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, germinates in a suitable environment of warmth and moisture. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and establishes its root system while developing its first pair of true leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant grows foliage and stems in preparation for photosynthesis and further development. Transitioning to the reproductive stage, 'Real Charmer' produces flower buds followed by distinctive daisy-like flowers with frilled lemon-yellow centers and white petals, typically blooming in the summer. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the plant sets seed, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant enters a period of dormancy during colder months, conserving energy for the next growing season, and the cycle resumes with new growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The Shasta daisy 'Real Charmer' is commonly propagated by division, which is best carried out in the spring or early fall to allow sufficient time for the plants to establish before extremes in weather. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a portion of the roots and a few shoots. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced appropriately according to the mature size of the plant. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish their roots in the new location. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as the divisions take root and grow into healthy plants.
